WASHINGTON — The 2011 election season is certain to be an anticlimax after the thrilling, volatile 2010 campaign. One sign of the off-year election malaise: The vote with the greatest national significance all year long might be a summertime presidential straw poll in Iowa. For entertainment value, we offer you Michael Steele’s desperate attempt to save his job as Republican National Committee chair and the colorful contest to succeed Chicago Mayor Richard Daley. Here are 11 races to watch in 2011:

Iowa Republican presidential straw poll

The most important vote in 2011 isn't even a real election. It's the Republican Party of Iowa's 2011 Iowa Straw Poll, set for Aug. 14 at the Iowa State Center in Ames. This is an early test of White House wannabes' organizational skills — and an early chance for presidential campaign "spinners" to practice their craft.

Kentucky governor's race

Can Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear hang on in a state that has become increasingly Republican in the past decade? He could face a strong challenge from state Senate President David Williams, the most powerful Republican in Frankfort. But Williams could face a tough primary challenge from tea party champion Phil Moffett, a Louisville businessman and political newcomer trying to duplicate Sen.-elect Rand Paul's insurgent magic.

Republican National Committee chairmanship

RNC Chair Michael Steele, the human gaffe machine, is being challenged by a large group of conservatives who cite his fundraising failures and organizational shortcomings. At its January meeting, the GOP could pick its first female chair - there are two women running - or it could opt for a nuts-and-bolts pol such as Reince Priebus, the Wisconsin party chair who just presided over a Republican sweep in the Badger State.

Mississippi governor's race

Two-term Gov. Haley Barbour can't run for re-election, but the Republicans seem likely to hold this seat. But which one? The primary field has yet to develop.

Virginia state legislative races

After stunning reversals in 2009 and 2010, Virginia Democrats are hoping to rebound in 2011. Republicans are hoping to take back the state Senate and maintain their 2009 gains in the state House.

San Francisco mayoral race

There will be two mayor's races in San Francisco in 2011. The first comes in January, when Mayor Gavin Newsom leaves his job to become California's new lieutenant governor. The voters don't choose his replacement: San Francisco's board of supervisors does. Then there's the November general election. Announced candidates include City Assessor-Recorder Phil Ting, Supervisor Bevan Dufty, City Attorney Dennis Herrera, state Sen. Leland Yee and political newcomer Joanna Rees, a venture capitalist.

Dallas mayoral race

Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert, a Republican in a Democratic-dominated city, is considering a race for the Senate seat currently held by Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas. If Leppert decides to seek re-election as mayor, he'd be a heavy favorite. If he goes for the Senate slot, City Council member Angela Hunt could be a strong contender.

Phoenix mayoral race

Democrats took a shellacking in Arizona's midterm elections, but they are likely to mount a comeback in the mayor's race in the state's largest city. Already, the contest features three Democrats, City Council members Claude Mattox and Peggy Neely and Assistant Attorney General Greg Stanton, a former council member. A well-known Republican in the race is Wes Gullett, a political consultant and aide to Arizona Sen. John McCain.

Louisiana governor's race

Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal is a heavy favorite for re-election. Democrats are praying that they can lure retired Gen. Russell Honore, a rare star born during the Katrina aftermath, into the race. Don't count on it.

Louisiana lieutenant governor race

Democrats have a more realistic chance at winning the No. 2 job, which is elected separately. New Orleans lawyer Caroline Fayard, a former aide to Hillary Rodham Clinton, surprised the experts by winning 43 percent of the vote in a November special election to fill the vacancy caused by former Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu's election as New Orleans mayor. Democrats hope she tries again. Incumbent Republican Jay Dardenne is the early favorite.